Western black rhino declared extinct

London (CNN) -- Africa's western black rhino is now officially extinct according the latest review of animals and plants by the world's largest conservation network.

The subspecies of the black rhino -- which is classified as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species -- was last seen in western Africa in 2006.

The IUCN warns that other rhinos could follow saying Africa's northern white rhino is "teetering on the brink of extinction" while Asia's Javan rhino is "making its last stand" due to continued poaching and lack of conservation.

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Celebrating Rhino Day 2013

We celebrated Rhino Day in September and we haven't gotten around to posting the photos. So here they are! We had a fabulous day and had a lot of fun. 

We even dressed up. Can you imagine what the animals thought when they saw us on the game drive?

We had so much fun in the name of spreading information and education people on Rhino poaching and how this will actually realistically effect us in the future. 

Our Sister Lodge, Plett River Lodge

Plett River Lodge offers stunning accommodation situated right on the Bitou River, just 5 km from Plettenberg Bay, one of the top holiday destinations on the beautiful Garden Route of South Africa's Western Cape.

Set within private tree-lined gardens with unobstructed river frontage and a lavender-filled courtyard, Plett River Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for discerning guests who want a relaxed holiday with all the creature comforts. Panoramic views of the local countryside and access to the many activities of nearby Plett and the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve make the guesthouse a sought-after destination.

Witness an exquisite morning sunrise over the Bitou River and listen to the sound of a Fish Eagle calling in the distance. Keep your binoculars close by to identify the prolific birdlife as you sit on the vast deck which extends over the river. At sunset unwind with a glass of wine on the deck or in the comfortable lounge where guests are encouraged to make themselves at home.

Tea and coffee are available all day in the guest lounge where there is also an honesty bar.

We welcome children and have provided swings and a jungle gym for them in the garden. Our friendly, experienced staff will babysit for you should you wish to enjoy an evening out on your own.

Guests of Plett River Lodge enjoy a discount at our sister establishment, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, for guided two-hour game drives in a game viewing vehicle and horse safaris. Just 10 minutes' drive from Plett River Lodge, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the Western Cape with more than 35 species of game roaming freely.

Buffalo Hills Game Reserve

Looking for somewhere different to go with a big group of friends or a great family getaway? Buffalo Hills Game Reserve in Plettenburg Bay has awesome accommodations. Housing up to up to 22 people and accommodation rates are only an unbelievable R2000 a night this is a fantastic option for an African escape into the peace and quite for a few days.

Spend a week away with a group of friends and all the kids or just a weekend with just you and your mates exploring and adventuring around the lodge and the options are seemly limitless. From game drives and walks, cultural distillery tours and you can expect close encounters with Buffalo, Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra, and Sable amongst many others. Your day activities include 2 and a half hour safari game drive, distillery tour with optional meals or the half day programme, inclusive of a guided walk, breakfast, safari game drive and light lunch.

Guests at Buffalo Hills Game Reserve can enjoy superb outdoors dinners in the boma. Gather around the fireplace and chat until the stars come out.  

Golf enthusiasts can visit some of the many world class golf courses in the Garden Route. These courses include Simola, Pezula and Fancourt. The area is also a cyclists haven. Guests can enjoy a cycle through the beautiful indigenous forest at Harkerville. There are several other mountain bike trails located in different parts of the forest and guests can also participate in guided mountain bike tours. 

Plett River Lodge Stunning Venue

Plett River Lodge has one of the most breathtaking locations along the Bitou River, perfect for sundowners. As we slowly move forward towards the end of the year many companies are searching for the perfect location for team building ventures and end of year parties and conferences.

Plett River Lodge Set is within private tree-lined gardens with unobstructed river frontage and a lavender-filled courtyard, Plett River Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for discerning guests who want a relaxed holiday with all the creature comforts. Panoramic views of the local countryside and access to the many activities of nearby Plett and the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve make the guesthouse a sought-after destination.

Witness an exquisite morning sunrise over the Bitou River and listen to the sound of a Fish Eagle calling in the distance. Keep your binoculars close by to identify the prolific birdlife as you sit on the vast deck which extends over the river. At sunset unwind with a glass of wine on the deck or in the comfortable lounge where guests are encouraged to make themselves at home. 

Our new coffee shop is also perfect for relaxing and taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Grab a book, sit back, take a deep breath of fresh air and let the stress from the year fade into the back of your mind as you take total relaxation to the next level.

For bookings and more information on accommodation visit our site by clicking here

Whale Watching Season In Plettenberg Bay

Hermanus has a little competition when it comes to being the whale capital of the world. Plettenberg Bay, located just a little further east along the Western Cape Garden Route, is a spectacular destination to see Southern Right Whales. They flock to the bay from about June to November every year along with Humpback Whales moving in behind them from around November to January.

It's prime time to see these majestic animals migrate South for breeding and calving. There is something so moving about witnessing these animals make their prolific journey.

The whale watching industry is very well organized in Plettenberg Bay and boat rides and tours can be easily arranged. Plettenberg Bay takes conservation and preservation of marine life into huge consideration so viewing, distances and time spent with each animal are strictly monitored so that there is minimal interference with the animals.

What Day Visitors Can Expect From Plettenberg Game Reserve

Facilities for day visitors include a curio shop, a coffee shop and well-stocked bar where an all-day menu of light meals and snacks is served. Guests can dine alfresco next to the children's play area or on cooler days they can get cosy on the comfortable couches in front of two roaring fireplaces.

The outside Boma, which provides an authentic African dining experience, is guarded by two massive carved wooden doors and has a bar and deck built above the dam where guests can enjoy sundowners while they watch the antics of William, the resident Hippopotamus.

Log fireplaces heat the guest living spaces and there are many comfortable sitting areas with a library of books for guests to browse through and many beautiful artifacts, trophies and original photographs to admire.